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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 2, 1999 · Air Tractor AT-401 · N15585

Moore Haven, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 2, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Moore Haven, FL
Aircraft
Air Tractor AT-401
Tail Number
N15585
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA99LA212

While taking off with a temperature of 103 degrees F., the aircraft was not accelerating enough for a proper takeoff and the pilot initiated dumping of the chemical load. The aircraft lifted off, collided with brush at the end of the runway, and then settled into a second area of brush, where it came to rest. The pilot reported he had no mechanical difficulties with the aircraft.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot exceeding the gross takeoff weight which reduced the climb capability and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the high temperature and the pilot's failure to use aircraft performance data for the weather conditions.

Full Narrative

On August 2, 1999, about 1230 eastern daylight time, an Air Tractor AT-401, N15585, registered to and operated by Thomas R. Summersill, Inc., crashed during takeoff while on a Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the commercial-rated pilot was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he had flown several other flights that morning. The temperature was rising and he had been lowering the chemical loads from the maximum of 2,500 pounds, due to the rising temperature. At 1230, with the temperature at the landing strip at 103 degrees F, he attempted takeoff. About 3/4 of the way down the runway, the aircraft was not accelerating and he attempted to dump the chemical load to reduce weight. The aircraft lifted off the runway and collided with 15-to 20-foot brush, traveled further, and settled into a second area of brush, where it came to rest. He stated he did not have any mechanical difficulties with the aircraft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EDT
Nearest AirportPerry Farms (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAir Tractor AT-401
Tail NumberN15585
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340-AN1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 25 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data